VDRL

The VDRL test is a straight forward blood test that aids in diagnosing syphilis in the body. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum which damages tissue of the body silently. The VDRL test is a short form of the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test. This test does not detect the bacteria present in the body but checks the antibodies produced by the body against the infection. This test is simple, quick and affordable. That is why doctors advise patients to go for this test. Early testing of syphilis infection is important because syphilis remains silent for a longer time but can cause serious health issues.

What is the VDRL Test?

The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test is a non-treponemal monitoring test. It detects antibodies in the body called regenerative antibodies. These antibodies are produced when body tissues are damaged by the cause of syphilis infection. This test is commonly used because it is simple, quick, affordable and effective in monitoring particularly in the initial and active stages of the illness.

Why to go for the VDRL Test

The VDRL test is advised for several medical and preventive reasons:

• Check syphilis infection
• Diagnose active syphilis
• To analyse the response to treatment
• Monitoring in pregnancy
• Before the blood donation
• Persons with high-risk sexual behaviour
• Symptoms suggest an STI

Who Should Get a VDRL Test?

This test may be recommended if you:

• Unprotected sexual contact
• Painless sores
•  Rashes
• Ulcers
• Pregnant (routine checkups)
• Partner has been diagnosed with syphilis
• Pre-surgical screening
• Donating blood
• Donating organs

What is the procedure of the VDRL Test in steps?

• A medical technician clears the skin of the arm.
• A needle prick is used to draw a tiny blood sample.
• The blood is collected in a designated flask and sent to the laboratory.
• Test results are collected after 24 hours depending on the laboratory.

What is the VDRL test price in Delhi?

The VDRL test or VDRL Quantitative test can be done in Delhi at the price of INR 450 and can fluctuate in different locations of the country and also depending on the diagnostic centre available, whether private or Government diagnostic centre.

What are the guidelines to follow before doing a VDRL Test?

• No fasting is required
• Inform doctor about:
  • Recent infections
  • Pregnancy
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Medications

 What should be the normal range VDRL Test?

How to interpret VDRL Test Results?

1. Non-Reactive (Negative)

• No active syphilis infection
• Early infection
• Repeat testing may be suggested if the exposure was recent

1. Reactive (Positive)

• Suggests current syphilis infection
• May also be positive in:
  • Pregnancy
  • Tuberculosis
  • Malaria
  • Lupus
  • Viral infections

VDRL Test Titer Levels

VDRL results may also be reported as titers, which help monitor treatment effectiveness.

What are the merits of doing a VDRL Test?

• Early detection
• Simple and cost-effective
• Useful for monitoring treatment
• Helps avoid long-term complications
• Important during pregnancy

What are the drawbacks of doing a VDRL Test?

Although VDRL test is very useful but has some drawbacks which are:

• Cannot confirm syphilis alone
• False-positive results may come
• May show negative results in very initial or late stages
• Requires other confirmatory testing

VDRL Test in Pregnancy

Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Congenital syphilis.

That’s why the VDRL test is routinely advised:

• In the first trimester
• Sometimes repeated in the third trimester

What Happens After a Positive VDRL Test?

If VDRL test results came positive, then we should do :

1. Confirmatory tests
2. Consuming drugs involves antibiotics (penicillin)
3. Follow-up VDRL tests
4. Sexual partners also need VDRL testing

Which VDRL test centre is near me?

The VDRL test centre near me is City Imaging and Clinical Labs, which gives quality tests at affordable rates and provides special discounts for poor people. This testing centre for VDRL test is accredited from Government institutions like NABL and NABH and centres have a vast expertise in the diagnostic field with highly experienced doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the VDRL test or VDRL Quantitative test painful?

No, it is not painful.

Can VDRL tests be wrong sometimes?

Yes, sometimes it comes up as a false positive.

Do we have to fast before going for the VDRL test?

No fasting is needed.

How long after reports are available of the VDRL test?

Reports are available within 12 to 24 hours or depending on the diagnostic laboratory.

Is syphilis curable if present in the body?

Yes, syphilis is fully curable.